Roma activate Hermoso contract extension option

Roma are closing in on Torino's young full-back Cacciamani with negotiations between the two clubs now closer on valuation. The parties are separated by approximately two million euros, a gap described as bridgeable, and Roma's next decisive push could seal the deal. Cacciamani, who has significant growth potential, would serve as an alternative to Wesley on the left flank and represents the kind of young, important player the club is targeting, according to coach Gian Piero Gasperini. As of 9 August, Roma's transfer window remains further behind Gasperini's preferred timeline, though activity is substantial across multiple fronts. The primary focus remains securing a right-footed attacking midfielder to deploy on the left; Nusa remains the preferred option, but negotiations with Leipzig have stalled around the €45–50 million budget threshold, with the German club unmoved on its asking price. Roma are also exploring alternatives including 21-year-old Malick Fofana at Lyon, who is still recovering from ankle surgery and a subsequent surgical intervention. On outgoings, Jan Ziółkowski has received an offer from Saudi Arabia that is currently under evaluation by the club. The Polish defender could join Matías Soulé and Manu Koné as potential departures if the right terms materialise. Elsewhere, Roma continue pursuing a right winger with Endrick's name still in the mix; the club is exploring a loan structure for the Brazilian talent born in 2006 to bolster that position.

Roma's pre-season tour of Britain concluded with a 3–0 defeat to Brighton at the Amex Stadium, marking the final fixture of an intensive preparation cycle that took Gian Piero Gasperini's squad through Cardiff, Newport, and England. The loss came after encouraging signs against Newport but exposed defensive frailties and a need for sharper athletic conditioning as the squad builds towards the 2026–27 campaign. The intensity of Brighton's play and elevated tempo highlighted areas where Roma's match fitness still requires development, a natural consequence of the heavy workload sustained during the early weeks of the British training block. The squad flew back to Italy immediately after the final whistle and returned to Rome yesterday evening. To allow recovery from the accumulated fatigue and to process the tactical lessons from the Amex, Gasperini granted the group two full days of rest. Training resumes on Tuesday afternoon at Trigoria. The next major test arrives on Ferragosto (15 August) in a high-profile friendly against Borussia Dortmund, a fixture intended as a final dress rehearsal before the opening competitive matches of the new season.

Roma have not given up on signing Endrick. The Brazilian has been on the club's radar for some time, and director Ghigiarelli met with the player's agents today. According to Sportitalia, Ghigiarelli is waiting for Real Madrid to communicate whether Endrick will remain in their squad or be sent out on loan, as happened last season. Real Madrid, unlike their situation with Mastantuono, have yet to make their position clear to the player. Roma are prepared to move quickly if the Spanish club decide to sell. The Giallorossi have joined the queue of interested parties, which also includes Fenerbahçe and several Premier League clubs. Should Real Madrid make Endrick available, Roma believe they have a genuine chance of bringing the former Palmeiras forward to the capital. The outlook on Endrick's future is expected to become clearer early next week.

Roma ended their pre-season training camp in Wales with a 3–0 defeat to Brighton. Rutter and Ayari, who scored twice, were decisive for the home side. The loss concluded what proved a disappointing retreat before the Giallorossi return to Rome and prepare for their final warm-up fixture against Borussia Dortmund ahead of the 2026–27 season launch. In the second half against Brighton, Castro and Koulierakis were brought on to gain match time. Back at Trigoria, Roma await the return of Pellegrini and Koné, the latter having rejoined the squad after his summer break. Individual performances saw Bryan Cristante earn a rating of 6 for his display, while Mario Hermoso (4) and Wesley (4.5) both endured difficult afternoons in defence.

Roma suffered a second defeat in three pre-season outings, losing 3–0 to Brighton in what Gasperini described as a concerning display two weeks before the season begins. Wesley emerged as the standout performer, while Neil El Aynaoui stepped back from his midweek form, and the defence was repeatedly breached. Gianluca Mancini (5) lost his man on Brighton's third goal and appeared less commanding than usual, while Mario Hermoso (5) was partly culpable for the opening goal and departed with a foot problem. Evan N'Dicka (5.5) offered insufficient security at the back, and Devyne Rensch (4.5) endured a forgettable afternoon at right-back following several indecisions; Koulierakis (6) and Daniele Ghilardi (6) came on at half-time and improved the display, though the match was already decided. Wesley (6) impressed with his physicality and athleticism, particularly a close effort at the 28-minute mark, while Paulo Dybala (5.5) created Roma's most dangerous opportunity despite a subdued showing. Neil El Aynaoui (4.5) was erratic in midfield, losing the ball in an exchange with Rensch that led to Brighton's second goal. Bryan Cristante (5.5), the captain, struggled to control the midfield as his experience might demand. Matías Soulé (5.5) lacked incisiveness despite constant movement. Donyell Malen (5) remained short of match fitness and rarely troubled the goalkeeper. Gasperini rated the performance 5, noting that Roma has conceded eleven goals across the last 360 minutes of pre-season play. Though he acknowledged no points are at stake in August, he expressed disappointment for the 750 Roma supporters in attendance. The transfer market remains underdeveloped, he added, but the squad must perform better ahead of competitive fixtures.

Roma suffered a heavy defeat to Brighton in their final pre-season friendly in England, conceding three goals in the first 50 minutes. The capitulation prompted Gian Piero Gasperini to make immediate changes, with Ziolkowski, Ghilardi and Koulierakis warming up on the sidelines. Hermoso was at fault for the opening goal, leaving too much space for Rutter, while N'Dicka's positioning proved costly for the third. Gasperini turned to his bench and demanded action, declaring: "Cambiamo" (We're changing). The last two substitutes entered within seconds of each other. This was Roma's third consecutive defeat on their UK tour, following a 4-1 loss to Cardiff. Gasperini also identified midfield frailties during the first half, noting the lack of protection in front of the back four. El Aynaoui was withdrawn at half-time without returning for the second period, replaced by Mannini. The full-back had been directly culpable for the second goal when his poor pass to Hermoso allowed Ayari to beat Svilar. Rensch, operating on the opposite flank, also drew Gasperini's ire for a series of misplaced decisions during the opening 45 minutes.